Quins scrum half relishing early start

KARL DICKSON is relishing the prospect of stepping out into new territory for Harlequins this morning.

A combination of Six Nations coverage and TV rights means the 30-year-old scrum half will be kicking off the LV Cup semi-final at home to Bath in the mid-day sun for the first time in his career.

For some more used to playing late afternoon or under lights the body clock adjustment could present a big challenge, but Dickson thinks the early role call will suit him.

He said: “To be honest I’ve never played that early before, but really it just means you have breakfast and you’re straight into it, rather than having the chance to sit around thinking on things.

“I’m the sort of person who likes to get up, get his head on and get on with things so I should enjoy it.”

The cup clash is a chance to exercise the memories of last weekend's 27-16 Premiership defeat to Exeter, which saw them lose top spot to Saracens ahead of the three-week league break.

Dickson admits the Chiefs were too physical for Quins for the second time this season, but the first loss provoked a run of just two defeats in 17 games, and the team is looking for a similar reaction.

He said: “They outworked us, won all the collisions and kept the ball well, so by the end we were tiring because we had to make so many tackles. But we are not stewing on it. The last time we lost to Exeter we responded with a great run.”

One of those two defeats in 17 was a defensive, kick-dominated affair at Bath, but Dickson feels conditions a world away from those in November may help Quins’ more expansive game.

He added: “Bath’s stats speak for themselves. They have the least line breaks, most tackles made and the least tries conceded.

“But the weather will be warmer than it was in November when we played them where it was quite boggy. So conditions should suit a more free flowing style of rugby.”